Notre Dame-UNC Prediction

The past two weeks we've been fairly accurate on the statistical prediction of the game, if not a little bit off on the score. But these games are easy to predict -- although we'll take the hit on West Virginia. We thought the Mountaineers would be in the national title game. Not anymore. We don't think Louisville will be either, as we're gonna take the Scarlet Knights next week.
But that's for Thursday. Let's look at Saturday's game between UNC and Notre Dame.

This game shouldn't be much of a matchup. Notre Dame is more skilled, better coached and playing at home. UNC has nothing to play for but an embattled coach and some pride. While those two things can carry a bunch of emotions and sometimes an entire team -- look at fellow ACC member North Carolina State -- Notre Dame probably won't look past the Tar Heels.

Senior quarterback Brady Quinn is going to have another impressive day, completing 65 percent of his passes and throwing for 330 yards and four touchdowns. Jeff Samardzija will break the all-time receiving touchdowns mark at Notre Dame with a first quarter score and then he'll add to it on the first drive in the third quarter with another catch. Darius Walker will rush for 110 yards and a touchdown although James Aldridge and Munir Prince will both steal carries from him in the second quarter. Senior cornerback Mike Richardson will also return a interception for a touchdown. North Carolina limps out 1-8 and still winless against Division I-A opponents.

Our score: Notre Dame 49, North Carolina 10

Don't forget about the prediction contest. E-mail your guesses to mrothstein@jg.net. Deadline is just prior to kickoff Saturday.

-By Michael Rothstein of The Journal Gazette